Alpha's STOLEN Mate (by Abigail Hayes) novel Chapter 136

Chapter 136

Frost

Is T

I found Cross on the training grounds outside the castle, leading a squad through combat drills. He looked magnificent-sweat gleaming

on his muscular frame, his movements precise and powerful, barking orders with the confidence of a loyal soldier,

The sight made my stomach turn.

How long has he been playing this role? How long has he pretended to serve while planning betrayal?

I approached slowly, my footsteps deliberate. Cross noticed me immediately, breaking from his instruction to offer a crisp salute.

“Beta! Welcome back!”

I smiled, but there was no warmth in it. “Gamma. Your technique looks sharper than ever. Quite impressive, actually.”

Several of the younger warriors grinned, their admiration for Cross obvious. One spoke up eagerly: “Beta, you should have seen it! While you were gone, the Gamma helped Elder Rowan and the Alpha King eliminate that traitor Silas! He practically saved the entire pack! The King will probably reward him handsomely!”

“Is that so?” I said softly, still approaching. “How… heroic.”

Cross seemed to preen slightly under the praise, his chest swelling with pride.

Then I stopped directly in front of him, close enough that only he could hear my next words.

“How much did that bitch Rowan pay you to betray our Queen?”

Cross’s expression transformed instantly-pride replaced by fury. “WHAT?!” he snarled, loud enough that several warriors turned to stare. “Beta, have you lost your mind?! Elder Rowan is the second most powerful figure in this pack! Even the King shows her nothing but respect! How dare you insult her?!” His voice dripped with contempt. “And ‘Queen’? I never acknowledged that woman as Queen! If anyone deserves that title, it’s Elder Rowan-beautiful, intelligent, worthy!”

I stepped even closer, my eyes boring into his. The younger warriors sensed the sudden tension and scattered, leaving us alone on the

training grounds.

“Tonight,” I said quietly. “This exact spot. You and me. A duel.”

Cross’s eyes flashed red-his wolf rising to the surface. He leaned in close, inhaling deeply, then laughed with cruel satisfaction.

“If this were a year ago, I might have worried. But look at you now, Beta.” He took another exaggerated sniff. “You smell like a candle about to burn out. Faint. Weak. Your combat abilities are probably comparable to a newly-turned adolescent!” His laughter grew louder.

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19:39 Wed, Jan 14

Chapter 136

“Are you really so eager to die for your wounded pride?”

“Well,” I replied coldly. “You don’t need to worry about that. Because I guarantee the one who dies tonight will be you.”

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Cross jabbed a finger at my chest. “I’ll be here, Beta. But this stays between us-a private duel. Don’t involve anyone else.” His smile turned vicious. “And when you’re dead, I’ll pay a visit to your mother and sister. They’re still living in that shabby village, aren’t they? Of course they are-people who’ve spent their lives as slaves never quite adjust to living in proper packs, do they?”

Rage exploded through me, hot and absolute. “Tonight, you’ll regret those words.”

I turned and walked away before I did something stupid-like killing him right there in broad daylight.

Back in my chambers, I prepared methodically. Checked my weapons, stretched my muscles, tried to conserve what little strength

remained in my deteriorating body.

This might be my last fight. I need to make it count.

After a simple meal, I left my room to head back to the training grounds. But as I passed through the castle corridors, I heard it-feminine

moans echoing from behind a closed door.

Kaius?

Fury surged through me again. Had he learned nothing from our conversation in the library?

But then I realized the sounds were coming from a different direction. Not Kaius’s chambers.

Cross’s room.

You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.

I moved closer, and the sounds became unmistakable. Not one woman-two. Their voices mingled with Cross’s guttural groans.

“Fuck,” I muttered. “He has the energy for this before a fight?”

Then I heard Cross’s voice, thick with pleasure and arrogance: “Elder Rowan has given me many gifts… but you two… you twin sisters are

my absolute favorite…”

One of the women giggled breathlessly. “Gamma, don’t you have a battle tonight? You shouldn’t exhaust yourself with us!”

Cross laughed, the sound punctuated by increasingly aggressive movements. “You two are the only battle that matters. As for Frost?” He practically spat my name. “He won’t take more than a few minutes of my time.”

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19:39 Wed, Jan 14

Alpha’s STOLEN Mate